Support for Democrats Jan Corn and Jeff Strickler in the 16th among Herald letters

Police shouldn’t be targets

Enough is enough! How much more of this madness are the citizens of Washington state going to take?

The State’s Democrat-controlled House and Senate have passed laws that have had the effect of neutering law officials and giving the “bad guys” the feeling they do not have to worry about obeying the laws and having to respect the rights of others.

The crime rate has skyrocketed throughout the state over the past two years due to these new laws.

Police officers are being targeted. In fact, two police officers’ cruisers were rammed in the same day.

One was a Washington State Trooper in Walla Walla. His cruiser was rammed and then he was shot twice. Fortunately, he is alive, but will probably have permanent scars (physically and emotionally) the rest of his life.

A second police vehicle was rammed in the Yakima Valley area. Fortunately, the officer was not hurt.

These are just two examples occurring on the same day of officers (that are trying to protect us) being targeted.

It also seems as though there is at least a daily shooting, most drug-related, being reported somewhere in the Tri Cities area.

It is time for the “silent majority” to get off their butts and let your legislators know that enough is enough. We have to get involved and make some changes at Olympia this next election.

Which means everyone needs to get out and vote.

Phil Clouse, Burbank

Republicans are opposed to unions

Republicans are anti-union. Yes, that is a generalization, but if you vote with them, you go along with their policies. Why are they against unions? Of course it has to do with money. If you are a business tycoon, which most of us are not, you see unions as a threat to your wealth and livelihood; “Why should I bargain with these workers when it will only result in loss of my profits?”

The increasing attacks on public service workers by elected officials have sought to do away with bargaining rights and work only to undermine the fundamental provisions for health care, disability and retirement plans, such things that are labeled as “socialism” — considered an evil word to conservatives. The result is to further enrich those already well-off.

However, we that are of the working class can appreciate the benefits that unions can provide, such as a safe working environment, affordable health insurance and wage guarantees, which is exactly why workers rights should be recognized by all.

David P. Sisk, Richland

Vote for Corn, Strickler in 16th

Please join me in voting for Jan Corn and Jeff Strickler for the 16th Legislative District. Both are successful small business owners who are committed to strong advocacy in Olympia for the 16th. They have an advantage — they are Democrats — who will definitely be at the table when priorities and state budgets are set. Let’s look at the incumbents, Skyler Rude and Mark Klicker. Rude has spent his entire career in the Legislature without much to show for it. He does not vote his stated positions but follows the party line. Klicker introduced legislation that would have prevented landowners from developing their land, stating that “farmers were being taken advantage of” by utilities in locating alternative energy sites.

Farmers I’ve talked to scratch their heads over this. The Tri-Cities is the fastest-growing area of the state. We need savvy, effective legislators to bring transportation, power, water, businesses, education, health care and other resources critical to our communities. Corn and Strickler support a woman’s right to choose and will protect democracy by ensuring the people’s vote is protected. Please vote for Jan Corn and Jeff Strickler for the 16th District.

Kari Isaacson, Walla Walla